In the book The Work of Nations, author Robert Reich states that the nation that judiciously manages water, soil and other natural resources will be the global success story. Not factoring cultural wisdom to conserve natural environment impacts geographies and, in turn, reconfigures cultural responses. Consider the importance given to the elements such as earth, water, air, and fire, in Vedic hymns, and in gaathas or myths. The Rta dharma towards water, for instance, is expressed in rituals to clean waterbodies in Rajasthan and to appease water spirits in Uttarakhand. A systematic citizens’ network of environment panchayats to promote Rta dharma is required.

Source: Indian Express June 30, 2019 20:48 UTC